Emergency Rescue Balloon

[ColoradoPacific]

Just discovered this failed Kickstarter campaign while looking for a product exactly like this. Looks awesome, but the fundraiser apparently failed, which is truly unfortunate!

I'm still attempting to find a similar product that is actually available. If I find one, I'll post it here.

KICKSTARTER - RESCUE ME BALLOON

 

[AlysonH]

That does look very cool. Have you tried contacting the person who started the kickstarter? Often they will continue working on their product with private funding and because they have a patent I wouldn't be surprised if it's still in the works.

 

[Toyotadirtdevil]

That is the coolest product. They should go on sharktank.

 

[Fakawi Tribe]

I saw this too, looked very promising.

 

[Joey D]

Looking at their Facebook page it looks like they are working on a redesign and a patent. This would be something nice to have as a just in case. I typically carry a flare gun but I like that this lasts significantly longer and improves my chance of being found.

 

[ColoradoPacific]

Looking at their Facebook page it looks like they are working on a redesign and a patent. This would be something nice to have as a just in case. I typically carry a flare gun but I like that this lasts significantly longer and improves my chance of being found.

Less risk of starting a forest fire too... :)

 

[MVO]

I like it but would still carry my inReach Explorer.

 

[AlysonH]

It's always good to be prepared and carry a few options.

 

[Judge]

Seems like a great idea. Simple, affordable, extra level of safety in addition to what you might have now. I like it.

 

[ColoradoPacific]

I like it but would still carry my inReach Explorer.

Agreed! I think this is a great backup, and less reliant on high-end tech. Would also be great for pinpointing your location once a SAR team is in the area. GPS is great, but a visual aid like this could be the difference between life and death in dense forests, rugged terrain, or at night.

 

[w_m_photo]

Wow, I like... this is a good idea.

 

[Eric Christensen]

I would think the main issue would be the wind pushing it around. If you're in a forest, it might be next to impossible to get it in the air and if you find a clearing, it could push it into a tree and get stuck. I would think it'd be great for an area without wind but I could see how it might not take off (no puns intended). I'm sure there's reasons it wasn't successful on kickstarter.

 

[Joey D]

Less risk of starting a forest fire too... :)

Good call, these are things I need to think about now that I moved westward where it's significantly drier. Although if push came to shove, I'd probably risk it and use a flare gun.

 

[S4SQTCH]

I love a low-tech analog solution in a digital age. No batteries to go flat, no signals to be blocked by foliage or deep canyons - I like it! I love that they included a strobe light too, but even without it the bright orange will certainly be easy to spot by SAR.

 

[Billy "Poserlander" Badly]

Hand-to-God, I had this idea years ago. Almost exactly, in fact. It didn't get past me discussing with friends over beers, of course, which is the way of all of my "inventions" (most of which are far more absurd).

Super cool to see!